The Best VPNs for Torrenting 2024
With a torrential downpour of VPN options, let us simplify the best VPNs for peer-to-peer file sharing.
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Last updated Oct 31, 2024
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#1 rated VPN with over 6,800 ultra-secure, high-speed servers in 111 countries
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Best for Affordability
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Editorial Rating
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On CyberGhost's website
CyberGhost
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No split tunneling feature on desktop
No split tunneling feature on desktop
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A virtual private network (VPN) well-suited for torrenting can disguise your IP address, protect your files from malware, and secure your internet connection. Our testing proved NordVPN to be the best overall VPN for torrenting and streaming, with ExpressVPN taking a strong lead in security. CyberGhost was also a strong candidate for both torrenting and security features at an affordable price. Keep reading to learn more about these top VPN apps for torrenting.
In this article
The best VPNs for torrenting 2024NordVPN: Best overall
ExpressVPN: Best for privacy and security
CyberGhost VPN: Best for affordable protection
Honorable mentions
Best VPNs for torrenting FAQs
Bottom line
The best VPNs for torrenting 2024
We’ve narrowed down the best VPNs for torrenting to NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost. All three are great options for torrenting and offer standard military-grade encryption and other strong security measures.
- NordVPN: Best overall
- ExpressVPN: Best for privacy and security
- CyberGhost: Best for affordable protection
Top 3 VPN services for P2P torrenting compared
| VPN |  Best Overall
|  |
 |
| Starting price | $1.99/mo (billed every two years) | $6.25/mo (billed annually) | $2.03/mo (billed every two years) |
| Free version | |||
| Torrenting servers | |||
| Kill switch | |||
| No-logs policy | |||
| Additional security features | Split tunneling, malware scans, blocks malicious sites, ad blocker | Split tunneling, blocks tracker, scammer, and malware sites, continuously updated blocklist | CyberGhost Security Suite for Windows, protection against malware, adware and other threats |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review |
Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review |
Get CyberGhost Read CyberGhost Review |
How we test and rate VPNs
We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.
Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.
NordVPN: Best overall
NordVPN
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#1 rated VPN with over 6,800 ultra-secure, high-speed servers in 111 countries
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Reliably unblock popular streaming services like Netflix with a single click
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Excellent all-in-one security product with antivirus, ad blocker, password manager, and more
Who it’s best for
Are you planning on doing a lot of peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing and streaming at home? If so, NordVPN is the best option for your computer and other devices. It has fast connection speeds and streaming functionalities, making your day-to-day data-sharing and viewing experiences enjoyable.
NordVPN uses its proprietary WireGuard technology, NordLynx, for optimum speeds and smooth streaming. Your data is safe and secure with a headquarters in Panama and a strict no-logs policy.
What we liked
Our speed test showed that NordVPN connected faster than other leading VPNs we tried. We saw the fastest speeds while connected to a nearby U.S. server — with the VPN turned on, our internet speed was 231.4 Mbps, having only dropped about 9% from its original speed.
These faster speeds are due to NordVPN’s NordLynx, a protocol integrated with WireGuard that uses less processing capacity and power during the connection process. NordLynx ensures that speed isn't compromised during your VPN connection.
WireGuard uses cryptography in its tunneling, a more efficient process of public keys authenticating one another on a single, round-trip data exchange.
While testing out servers in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia, we connected to each region’s Netflix streaming library with no issues.
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Additionally, NordVPN combines its VPN with a Smart DNS service, automatically switching DNS servers when attempting to access unavailable content. This enhanced feature does this while also simultaneously masking your IP address. This is helpful if you live in an area that restricts certain geo-located content, so with NordVPN and Smart DNS, you can stream your favorite shows from anywhere in the world.
From our research, we learned that you don’t have to search for the fastest server — NordVPN does that for you. Plus, NordVPN has several servers optimized for P2P traffic.
NordVPN offers two kinds of threat protection: Threat Protection Pro and Threat Protection. Both block ads, trackers, and potentially malicious URLs. Threat Protection Pro also deletes downloaded malware, with or without your VPN connection turned on. Both Windows and macOS devices support these offerings.
NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can try the service before committing to a two-year contract.
What we didn’t like
While the extra security is good, we don’t like that Threat Protection won’t work unless you’re connected to your VPN — and it doesn’t delete any previously downloaded malware.
Before torrenting files, you’ll need to use the Threat Protection Pro on a Windows or macOS device to guarantee that you’re protected from current and previous malware threats..
NordVPN specs
| Price range | $2.99–$17.99/mo |
| Free version | No |
| Number of servers | 6,800+ servers in 111 countries |
| Number of connected devices | 10 |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM |
| Torrenting servers | Yes |
| Kill switch | Yes |
| No-logs policy | Yes |
| Additional security features | Split tunneling; malware scans; blocks malicious sites, ads, and trackers |
| Learn more | Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review |
ExpressVPN: Best for privacy and security
ExpressVPN
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Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
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Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
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Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
Who it’s best for
ExpressVPN is best if you want a product’s privacy and security features verified before you purchase and download a VPN. While a website can make many claims, you'll want to know that your VPN has been audited by a third-party firm with a solid reputation. ExpressVPN completed 12 audits on its various technologies in 2023, stating on its website that it has “...bolstered its status as the most transparent provider in the industry.”
The company’s transparency and third-party audits make ExpressVPN one of the best VPNs for torrenting. Though not all torrenting uses are illegal, many still need the extra security of a VPN like ExpressVPN. For example, torrents are used to fight disinformation in countries like Russia.
What we liked
We reviewed and liked several of ExpressVPN’s security features, including:
- Threat Manager: This feature prevents your device from interacting with malicious third parties, such as trackers and malware sites, whether the app is open or running in the background.
- Network Lock: The kill switch component protects your data if you get disconnected from the VPN by blocking all your internet traffic.
- No leaks: We ran a WebRTC leak test and IP leak test with ExpressVPN and found no leaks of our IP address.
- No-logging policy: ExpressVPN has a no-logs policy, so the company never tracks or stores your browsing activities and data. KPMG audited and verified this policy in September 2022.
- Split tunneling: This feature protects your safety by letting you decide whether internet traffic goes through the VPN or directly to the internet. It can be helpful if the VPN connection causes pages not to load or if you need a faster connection for gaming or other activities.
- RAM-only servers: The company’s RAM-only servers wipe the data clean every time they’re rebooted.
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What we didn’t like
Unlike NordVPN, ExpressVPN’s interface was less intuitive to use. When you first start the program, a small window appears that you have to navigate to find its server locations. Even though the website has plenty of guides, there was no initial tutorial or walkthrough when installing the software.
ExpressVPN is also one of the most expensive VPN services — the lowest price is $6.25/mo (billed annually) for 12 months. Other VPNs like Surfshark and Private Internet Access are on the lower end of the budget, costing $2.99/mo (billed annually) for 12 months and $2.03/mo (billed every two years) for 24 months, respectively.
Finally, while the company’s servers can handle torrenting without issues, they don't have servers dedicated to P2P file sharing.
ExpressVPN specs
| Price range | $4.99–$12.95/mo |
| Free version | No |
| Number of servers | Unlisted in 105 countries |
| Number of connected devices | 8 |
| Encryption | AES-256 |
| Torrenting servers | No |
| Kill switch | Yes |
| No-logs policy | Yes |
| Additional security features | Split tunneling; blocks tracker, scammer, and malware sites; continuously updated blocklist |
| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review |
CyberGhost VPN: Best for affordable protection
CyberGhost
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High-speed global servers offering industry-leading 256-bit AES encryption and no data logs
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Unlimited bandwidth, DNS and IP leak protection, and automatic kill switch available for up to 7 devices
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Configurable with your router, smart TV, Amazon Fire TV stick, or gaming console
- No split tunneling feature on desktop
Who it’s best for
CyberGhost offers many of the same features as NordVPN and ExpressVPN but at a more affordable price point of $2.03/mo (billed every two years) (if you opt for the two-year plan). With respectable speeds and a network of servers in 100 countries, CyberGhost makes torrenting with a VPN easy.
What we liked
With a 45-day money-back guarantee, CyberGhost is confident in the security and privacy of its services. The website even states, “...we’re confident we have the best VPN for torrenting—which is also why our guarantee is longer than our competitors.”
CyberGhost also has an extensive server network that can help you avoid overloaded servers that might slow down your torrenting speeds. Additionally, it has designated P2P servers ideal for connecting to torrent clients like uTorrent and BitTorrent and torrent websites.
We liked that CyberGhost has standard security features like military-grade encryption and a kill switch. There’s also a CyberGhost Security Suite for Windows, an all-in-one package with a secure software updater, privacy guard, and VPN service. The suite provides antivirus protection from Trojans, malware, and full-on network attacks.
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When we tested CyberGhost, we found no leaks, meaning our IP was successfully masked. The interface was also easy to use, permitting us to choose specialty servers for torrenting, gaming, or streaming. The connection to the VPN was also apparent within the application, so you can feel safe knowing that you are fully connected to your VPN.
What we didn’t like
Although satisfactory, CyberGhost did come in on the slower side during our speed and streaming testing. Our first test showed a few difficulties connecting, while our second test fully connected and streamed Netflix properly. Additionally, we noticed that split tunneling, a popular safety feature, was only available for Android.
CyberGhost specs
| Price range | $2.03–$6.99/mo |
| Free version | No, but it offers a 45-day money-back guarantee |
| Number of servers | Unlisted in 100 countries |
| Number of connected devices | 7 |
| Encryption | AES-256 |
| Torrenting servers | Yes |
| Kill switch | Yes |
| No-logs policy | Yes |
| Additional security features | CyberGhost Security Suite for Windows, protection against malware, adware and other threats |
| Learn more | Get CyberGhost Read Our CyberGhost Review |
Honorable mentions
There are a few VPN providers that fall short when it comes to torrenting. Although these VPNs have excellent features, they lack the speed or full data privacy to be considered the best torrenting options.
A VPN’s technology should be centered around data privacy, and VPN data privacy first originates with where the company’s headquarters are located — even before further reviewing the service’s technical aspects.
Intelligence agencies from countries that are part of the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes alliances are free to share information about their citizens. This means that if your VPN service is located in one of these countries, the government can access your browsing data regardless of what physical safety features your VPN offers.
Surfshark and Private Internet Access are located in countries that are part of these alliances. However, they're still standout VPN providers with plenty to offer for other online activities:
- Surfshark: Upon connection, Surfshark automatically provides the fastest server location out of its 100 countries. This VPN is also great for streaming, as it accesses streaming libraries worldwide with no connectivity issues. Surfshark offers split tunneling, standard military-grade encryption, and a kill switch. Furthermore, it blocks ads, trackers, and malware with its CleanWeb feature.
- Private Internet Access: Private Internet Access displays server latency right within the app, so you can conveniently choose the fastest RAM-only server from one of its listed 91 countries when you log in. Private Internet Access also went through a no-logs audit with Deloitte in 2022, so you can trust that no records of your activities are kept. The VPN service also includes an ad and malware blocker, a kill switch, split tunneling, standard encryption, and uses the WireGuard protocol to improve speeds.
Get Private Internet Access | Read Our Private Internet Access Review
Best torrenting VPNs FAQs
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Why would someone use a BitTorrent VPN?
If you'd like to download torrents anonymously, a VPN can encrypt your data and route your connection through a server to shield your identity and location.
Not only can you protect your identity and activities while online, but you may also be able to access geo-blocked content within your region. Just as important, a VPN may protect you against downloading malware during your file-sharing process.
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What are the main things I should look for when selecting the best VPN for torrenting?
You’ll first want to review where the VPN is headquartered, as countries in the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes alliances can share your information with their governments if requested to do so.
In terms of the VPN itself, always look for standard AES-256 encryption or better, a kill switch to prevent data leaking if your VPN gets turned off, and a no-logging policy. Server connectivity speeds and streaming are also important while torrenting, so look for faster VPNs or VPN providers that offer VPN servers specifically for torrenting.
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Is torrenting legal?
Torrenting is fully legal. Because torrenting involves peer-to-peer file sharing, it can be associated with piracy or the unauthorized use of copyrighted material. These files may include games, movies, music, and software.
You may be wondering what happens if you accidentally and illegally download a copyrighted file. The answer is that your internet service provider (ISP) could take actions against you, like throttling your bandwidth, for example. Plus, copyright trolls — entities whose sole purpose is to go after torrenting — could take legal actions against you for copyright infringement and more.
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What's the best free VPN for torrenting?
A free VPN should raise concerns about selling your data, but some are more reputable than others. We like Proton VPN's free VPN, which offers servers in three countries: Japan, the Netherlands, and the U.S. If you like Proton, you can upgrade your free VPN to its Plus plan, which offers servers optimized for file sharing.
Bottom line
NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost all have excellent speeds for torrenting and streaming, making them the optimal selections during our comparison testing. These VPN services are transparent, having undergone multiple third-party audits. They’re also headquartered in countries that value your right to privacy. With multiple safety features and military-grade encryption, you can feel safe using these VPNs for P2P file sharing.
Surfshark and PIA are valuable VPN services that can help protect your data, though they also come with some concerns that dropped them out of the top three.
NordVPN
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#1 rated VPN with over 6,800 ultra-secure, high-speed servers in 111 countries
-
Reliably unblock popular streaming services like Netflix with a single click
-
Excellent all-in-one security product with antivirus, ad blocker, password manager, and more
Author Details
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Robin Moore is a freelance writer and editor specializing in blockchain technology, including wallet
security and data privacy. She is the current Managing Editor for Watcher.Guru, a startup blockchain
and finance news publication with 1.7 million followers on Twitter. Robin has also been the lead
content editor with Genfinity.IO, another startup blockchain research publication. Before entering the
Web3 space, she was a business analyst within the oil and gas industry.
When she is not offering advice on the best ways to protect data privacy, she is hiking, doing yoga, or
networking with her Web3 family on crypto-Twitter.
/authors/mary-james_allaboutcookies-author.jpg)
Mary is a seasoned cybersecurity writer with over seven years of experience. With a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Clarion University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Point Park University, she educates audiences on scams, antivirus software, and more. Her passion lies in educating audiences on helpful ways to protect their data.
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